Dine leader is using horses to bring 'the greatest Native turnout ever' to the polls

[cbabe]

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/12/dine-navajo-horses-ride-to-the-polls

This Diné leader is using horses to bring ‘the greatest Native turnout ever’ to the polls

Allie Young, 34, started the Ride to the Polls campaign in 2020 to register new voters in person and online

Melissa Hellmann
Sat 12 Oct 2024 07.00 EDT

In Diné, or Navajo, culture, the horse symbolizes strength and resilience, as well as a connection to the earth. Cowboy culture is so relevant to Native communities, that horseback trail rides are used to draw awareness to issues within the community including suicide prevention, and alcohol and drug use, said Allie Young, a 34-year-old Diné grassroots organizer. This fall, Young has harnessed the trail ride to engage Diné voters for the presidential election: her group’s voter-registration events will culminate with 100 Indigenous voters riding on horseback to a polling station in Arizona on election day.

When one mounts a horse and is in rhythm with the horse, that reconnection happens,” Young, founder of the Indigenous-led civic engagement program Protect the Sacred, told the Guardian. “So when we’re connected with the horse, we’re then reconnected to Mother Earth and reminded of our cultural values and what we’re fighting for, what we’re protecting.”

Native American turnout is especially critical in the upcoming election, when tribal sovereignty could be threatened by the conservative blueprint Project 2025, which states that fossil fuel drilling should be facilitated on tribal lands. Political representation that brings needed resources into Native communities is particularly important on tribal lands, where 75% of roads remain unpaved. In part due to Young’s advocacy, Native American voters are credited with flipping the historically red state of Arizona to Democrat during the 2020 election. That year, up to 90% of the roughly 67,000 eligible voters in the Navajo Nation voted for Joe Biden, according to data.

Young said she hopes that the success of the Ride to the Polls campaign in 2020 and 2022 will encourage “the greatest Native turnout ever” in the upcoming election. This year, the campaign has extended its reach with events such as skateboarding and bull-riding competitions, heavy metal and country music concerts.

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[surfered]

1. Could help in So Dakota where Gov Kristi has been banned from setting foot on several reservations.

Also I’m hoping Native Americans will help Tester in Montana

[ananda]

2. It's beautiful, the things we are trying to protect.

All Republicans want to do is destroy

[Lonestarblue]

3. What a great idea.

[Botany]

4. Joe Biden has done more for the Original Americans than any President in my lifetime.

Last edited Sat Oct 12, 2024, 03:08 PM - Edit history (1)

"In the Footsteps of Our Ancestors" 1 million acres*, Chaco Canyon New Mexico, restoring
the native salmon waters in the Pacific Northwest, Deb Haalaand Sec. of Interior, and so
much more. The man has been transformational in so many ways.



It would be nice to see Coach Walz ride along with them.

*

[Clouds Passing]

11. I hope she stays put as Sec of Int under Kamala

Joe has done a beautiful thing appointing Deb.

[Botany]

13. I want whatever she and or hopefully President elect Harris wants

I imagine that being Sec. of Interior and doing a good job is really hard and I would
understand if she needed a break too.

[dobleremolque]

5. Ahe'he!!

Diné bizaad (the people's language) for "Thank you!"

[PortTack]

6. Bringing true Native American culture into the mainstream is how it ought to be!

[et tu]

7. and also the marine sanctuary off california

step by step, closer....

[BadgerMom]

8. Contribute to Jonathan Nez for Congress.

Below is his link on Act Blue.

He is a former president of the Navajo Nation. He would be a great addition to the House. His Republican opponent is well-funded.

In 2020, I wrote postcards for swing states, but my friend phone banked the reservation. She heard many stories about how difficult voting was there and how little understood their situation was by outsiders. When I read about Mr. Nez’s plan to run, I was excited. He must understand the challenges voters in this district face. I’ve been supporting his campaign ever since. And the efforts described in this OP seem so focused.

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/nez-search-2024

[Botany]

10. Good for you I have been backing Alaska's Rep. Mary Peltola

[Butterflylady]

9. Happy to hear this.....

Native people treated so unfair. They were promised that each time that it was the last time they were pushed farther west. These people were treated horribly.

[Clouds Passing]

12. Beautiful!